Edward M. Chesser

The Life and Times of Edward M. Chesser Edward M. Chesser was born December 3, 1953, in Manchester, Tennessee. He went to his eternal residence, Wednesday, July 28, at 2:20PM, in Grapevine, Texas.
Ed was called to ministry at an early age and his destiny was lived out with passion and devotion to those God placed in his pathway. His lifelong favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." The will of God was lived out for 48 years with a classmate he met early on in his career at Gateway College of Evangelism, in St. Louis, Missouri. This beautiful young lady became the love of his life. Deborah Lynne Ayers attended the college and they were married, August 24, 1974. They lived a lifelong commitment as one heart to the Great Commission of John 3:16 to go into all the world and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Upon graduation from Gateway, a beautiful career began and lasted until he drew his final breath. Ed graduated from Thornton high school, in Harvey, Illinois. He had begun saving his money for college by working at Bliss and Laughlin Steel. After college graduation with a degree in Theology, this anointed couple moved to Lewisville, Texas, to become the assistant pastor and music director at the First United Pentecostal Church. These productive times were followed by six months of evangelism in several states before settling down in Steger, Illinois, at the First Apostolic Church. Once again, Deb and Ed were the assistant pastors, youth leaders, and choir directors. They worked closely together, successfully, as a team. These assisting pastoral jobs helped develop their God given skills and Ed eventually became the pastor in Pontiac, Illinois. During the time they lived in Illinois, Ed became the youth director in Section 10 of the UPCI, Illinois District. This allowed him to work with 13-35 age level people from approximately 40 churches for 10 years. He won the award of Youth Director of the Year twice. He was also the Bible Quizzing Director for the Illinois district. After this period of time, the Chessers moved to Grapevine, Texas. Ed became pastor at New Life Family Worship Center and remained in this role the rest of his life. During this period of ministry, he also accepted the position of principal at Landmark Christian Academy, in Lewisville, Texas. He was a spiritual mentor to many young students who attended Landmark and he cherished that role for 13 years. He recently celebrated his 40th year as an Ordained Minister of the United Pentecostal Church, International. Ed and Deborah Chesser enjoyed a great life together. Although never blessed with children, they played a proxy parental role to many nieces and nephews and even many great nieces and nephews. Many of these youngsters, many now adults, have recently told Pastor Chesser how much he played an important role in their destiny and walk with God. Ed, while being a great preacher, was a great story teller and could tell jokes with the best. He always kept everyone around him in high spirits and never let anyone be alone or despondent. He was the optimum encourager and advisor. His kind heart was known worldwide and his influence for Christ in people was unparalleled. Ed and Deborah are affectionally referred to as Cled and Bebbie.
Ed Chesser was preceded in death by his parents, Euther and Eunice Chesser; and sisters, Ellen Chesser and Gloria Moarn.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Ayers Chesser, Grapevine, Texas; his brother, Elton Chesser, Tullahoma, Tennessee; his brothers-in-law, Timothy Ayers (Ileana), Plano, Texas; and Jonathan (Deanne) Ayers, Colleyville, Texas. He will be long remembered by multiple nieces and nephews, plus many relatives and friends.